Bridgestone has reached an agreement with the unions representing its workers, reducing the number of planned job cuts from five hundred forty-six to four hundred twenty. This significant reduction comes after nearly two months of negotiations and conflict at the company’s plants in Basauri and Puente San Miguel. Workers voted overwhelmingly in favour of the proposal during a recent referendum, which has allowed for a more manageable outcome for both the employees and the company.

The agreement will result in how the job cuts will be implemented, involving a mix of redundancies, early retirements, and voluntary exits. Notably, the number of exits has decreased significantly, accommodating the concerns of the workforce. Bridgestone has stated that this reflects their commitment to competitiveness and developing sustainable industrial activity in Spain.

In addition to the initial job losses, Bridgestone has promised a two-year employment guarantee, ensuring no collective redundancies occur during this period. The plan also includes economic measures like pre-retirement from age fifty-five and compensation for other departing employees, providing greater security during this transitional phase.

Unions such as CC.OO., UGT, and BUB have widely supported the deal, while minor unions ELA and SITB have opted not to endorse it. The resolution ended a series of strikes that united workers and garnered significant support from the community and political representatives. As operations return to normal, discussions between the unions and company management will continue to ensure future stability.